Mexican Mint Marigold Tarragon

This is an aromatic herb that can be used as a replacement for tarragon. It has long pointed green leaves with bright yellow flowers. Both the flowers and leaves provide a sweet licorice flavor.

Tagetes lucida, or Mexican Mint Marigold, has a rich history in it native region of Central America and Mexico. This plant played a vital part in Aztec history. It was dedicated to the god of rain Tlāloc and burned as ritual incense. This plant was a vital part of the religious aspects of Aztec life but it also acted as a source of joy. They used the edible leaves and flowers to flavor their cocoa-based drink, chocolatl. Once this exclusive plant was unveiled to the rest of the world its sweet licorice flavor became a subsite for French tarragon. This once ancient plant can find new modern recipes and uses in your Rise Garden.